Multiple electric connecting device



June 18, 1929. B. F. CONNER MULTIPLE ELECTRIC CONNECTING DEVICE Filed May 27, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 71 527504" Ben/5mm Fianna" g ifj June 18, 1929.

B. F. CONNER 1.717.836

MULTIPLE ELECTRIC CONNECTING DEVICE Filed May 27, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jaka ta!" Fenjamzkvf? 50271151" Atqmgy Patented June 18, 1929.

UNITED, STATES" PATIENT OFFICE.

BENJAMIN r. CONNEB, or HARTFORD, ooNNnc'rrou'r, assieNog' To c p- FIRE ms MANUFACTURING COMPANY, or naa'rmnn, ooNNmIco'r, n,

IPOBATION OF CONHECTICU'I.

MULTIPLE ELECTRIC CONNECTHI'G DIV-IO].

Application filed In? 37, 1937. Serial I0. "431.

A device embodying the invention is rimarily intended to provide convenient e ectrical connection means for a plurality of different electric appliances such, for instance, as those commonly used upon a dining table. For this purpose the device is provided with pairs of electrical contacts whereby it is adapted for receiving a plurality of standard connection plugs. In its preferred form the device is readily portable being adapted to be used in conjunction with a flexible conductor cord which enables it to be electrically connected with a suitable outlet socket and which permits it to be convcniently located with respect to the appliances with which it is to be used.

As illustrated in the accompanying drawing a device embodying the present invention is the upper one of two companion units which are detachably connected, the electrical connection to the combined devices being through a flexible conductor cord extending to the lower unit. I do not, however, herein claim as a part of the present invention the two separable units as shown, as these constitute the subject matter of my copending application for multiple electric connecting device, Serial No. 341,955, filed Februar 23, 1929, as a division of this present app ication. The present invention relates specifically to a single connecting device or unit provided with a plurality of pairs of plug engaging contacts, and it is immaterial whether the said device or unit be primarily intended for use with a companion base unit or primarily intended for use without a separate base unit.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a connecting device or unit of the type described having various improved details of construction, particularly as concerns the mounting and arrangement of the contacts and of 'the conductors connected therewith. In accordance with this phase of the invention I am enabled to provide a connecting device wherein the conducting elements are simple in form and may be readily and reliably held in place and insulated from each other.

A further object of the invention is to provide a connecting device or unit of the type described which is readily adapted to be formed by a simple molding operation, the amount of material required being reduced to a minimum without, however, sac-- rificing mechanical strength or reliability of mechanical connection.

Further objects of the invention will be apparent from the following specification an claims.

It will be understood that the drawin s are intended for illustrative pur oses on y and are not to be construed as efining or limiting the scope of the invention, the claims forming a part of this specification being relied upon for that purpose.

O f the drawings:

Figure 1- is a perspective view of a device or unit embodying the invention combined with a base unit and resting upon a tabletop, or a floor, or other horizontal surface.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the connector device or unit separate from the base unit, this view also showing a combination screw plug and socket with which the connector device or unit may be used if desired.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the connector device or unit directly engaged with a socket carried by a vertical wall.

F g. 4 is a bottom view of the connector device or unit with the bottom closing plate omitted.

Fig. 5 is a central sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Fig. 4, the bottom clos ng plate being shown in place.

Fig. 6 is a central sectional view taken along the line 6-6 of Fig. 4, the bottom closing plate being shown in place.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the base unit with the top closing plate omitted.

Fig. 8 is a central sectional view taken along the line 8--8 of Fig. 7, the top closing plate being shown in place.

I have shown two main devices or units which will be referred to as the body and the base, these being re resented in Fig. 1 by 1 and 6 respectively. e body 1 is adapted to detachably engage and fit the base so as to be directlly; supported thereby and it is provided wit a plurality of pairs of socket contacts electrically connected in parallel with each other and constructed and arranged to be engaged by the contacts of standard connection plugs. The base is. r0- vided with suitable electric supply con uctors or contacts electrically connectible with the socket contacts on the body. As already stated the present invention relates to the body device or unit, that is, to the device or unit which is provided with a plu rality of pairs of socket contacts constructed and arranged to be engaged by the contacts of standard connection plugs.

The casing ortions of the body and base are formed of insulating material preferably material ada ted to be molde ,such as a phenolic con ensation com ound. The body 1 and the base 6 are of re ated design, ordinarily having the same or substantially the same horizontal contour so as to present a harmonious and pleasing appearance. Preferably the said body and base are provided with interengaging peripheral shoulders 1 and 6 to prevent relative lateral movement when the body is supported on the base. As illustrated the body 1 and the base 6 are both cylindrical As illustrated the top wall 2 of the bod is somewhat convex and is provided wit a plurality of pairs of openings 3 and 4 adapted to receive the prongs of standard plug caps, such as P, and to permit the said prongs to engage the adjacent interior contacts 9 and 10. However, I do not nee essarily limit myself to contacts arranged for receiving plug contacts of the type shown. There are at least three pairs of holes 3 and 4 and three pairs of contacts 9 and 10, and preferably there are four pairs of such holes and contacts. The corresponding holes of the several pairs are arranged at equal distances from the center of the casing. The holes 3 and 4 of each pair are preferably spaced radially from each other so that all of the holes are located in two. concentric circles, that is, the inner holes of all of the pairs are located in one circle, and the outer holes of all of the pairs are located in another larger circle concentric with the first circle.

A flexible conductor cord, such as 5, is provided for su plying current to the body 1, and when a base, such as 6, is provided the electrical connection between the cord and the body unit may be through the base. As shown the body 1 is provided with'a pair of downward extending plug contacts normally extending within the outlines of the base and electrically connected respectively with the said socket contacts 9 and 10.. These contacts serve as intermediate supply conductors connected with the socket contacts. The said base is provided with contacts connected with the conductors of the cord 5 and adapted to be engaged by the plug contacts on t e body so as to provide an electrical connection to the said socket contacts 9 and 10.

When the body and base are connected as shown in Fig. 1 the entire device may be conveniently placed with respect to the apliances with which it is to be used, current suitable plug and cord such as shown at P and C. The device as shown in Fig. 1 is particularl well ada ted for use on a dining table or establis in an electrical connection through the cor 5 from a suitable source of current to several appliances such, for instance, as a coffee percolator, a toaster, a chafing dish and a lamp. The fore oing is but one of the many uses of the evice which might be mentioned.

As already stated and as shown in Fig. 2 the electrical connection between the base unit and the body unit is established by means of plug contacts which project downward from the body unit and which normally engage corresponding contacts within the base as will presently be described in detail. Preferably I provide plug contacts of standard construction so as to be adapted to engage with a socket of standard construction. I have shown contacts 7, 7 of the prong type but I do not so limit myself. Fig. 2 shows a combined socket and screw plug S with which the prongs 7, 7 may engage, the screw plug itself being adapted to be engaged with any standard screw' socket.

Fig. 3 shows the body detached from the base and in the position it occupies when directly engaged with a standard prong socket carried by a vertical wall, or when connected with a screw socket by means of a socket plu such as S. It will be understood that t e body unit whether used in combination with the base unit as shown in Fig. l, or used in direct connection with a standard socket as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, is adapted for receiving a plurality of plugs and thus supplying current to a plurality of separate electrical appliances, as already described. I

Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show the details of construction of the body unit and these'will now be described, it being understood that the details referred to may be used whether the said body unit is intended to be mounted upon a base as alread set forth or is intended to be used wit out a separate base unit. In describing the body unit I will assume that it is to be normally used in horizontal position as shown in Fi 1, but it will nevertheless be understood t at such terms as top, bottom and the like are intended merely to express relationship of parts and are not intendedto otherwise limit the invention.

For the sake of lightness and econom of material the body unit ispreferably ho low being initially open at the bottom. Preferably the annular side wall 2 of the casing is mte al with the top wall 2 which is relatively t 1n and is rovlded with pairs of holes 3 and 4 as alrea y described. When the top wall 2 is crowned or convex as shown theholes 3 and 4 of each pair are inclined ing supplied to each appliance through a to be perpendicular to the corresponding rtion of the outer surface of the wall. The body unit is preferably formed with reenforcing ribs 8, 8- whic are mtegral with the to wall or are at least immedlately adjacent t ereto. These ribs have holes therein which are continuations of the said holes3 and 4 in the top wall 2. Qrdinarily the ribs 8, 8 are arranged radially as shown. I I 1 Registering with the holes 3 and 4 of each pair are the aforesaid electric contacts 9 and 10. The spacing of the holes and of the contacts is such that the prongs of a standard plug cap such as P may be 1nserted in the holes and engaged with the corresponding contacts 9 and 10. Preferably and as illustrated said contacts 9 and 10 extend into the corresponding holes and each prong of the plug is grip d between the corresponding contact and e ad acent wall of the corresponding hole.

The contacts 9 and 10 of the several pairs are connected in arallel relation with each other and for this purpose there are preferably provided two sheet metal conductors 11 and 12 located below the top wall of the casing, one being connected with the outer contacts 9 of all of the said pairs and the other being connected with the inner contacts 10 of all of the said pairs. Preferably and as shown each conductor element 11 and 12 extends substantially circumferentially of the device from contact to contact. Thus. the outer conductor element 11 substantially surrounds the inner conductor element 12.

The body or casin 1 is formed with downward facing sur aces adapted to directly engage with and hold the two conductor elements 11 and 12. The conductor 11 is preferably held in place on the corresponding downward facing surface by means of inserts or rivets 13, 13 molded in place in the body of the casing and peened over to hold the conductor. The conductor 12 is preferably similarly held in place by means of rivets 14, 14. referably the contacts 9 and 10 are formed integrally with the respective sheet metal conductors 11 and 12. As shown the conductor 11 is formed with tongues which initially extend inward but which are bent upward so as to extend into the outer holes 3, 3 as illustrated. The conductor 12 is formed with tongues which initially extend outward but which are bent upward to extend into the inner holes 4, 4 as illustrated.

As clearl shown in Fig. 6 the downward facing sur aces which are engaged by the conducting elements 11 and 12 are at different levels the purpose being to augment or facilitate the electrical insulation of the two conducting elements from each other. As shown in Fig. 4 the said elements are horizontally spaced apart but it will neverthelese be clear that the distance between them is increased by reason of their location at different levels as shown in Fig. 6.

Supply contacts are-providedwhich are connected respectively with the outer and inner plug engaging contacts by means of the corresponding conductors 11 and. 12. While I do not necessarily so limit myself I prefer to construct these contacts in the form of standard prong contacts such as the contacts 7, 7 already mentioned and shown in Fig.- 2. These cont-acts extend down ward r erably connected directly with the conductors 11 and 12 as, for instance, by means of rivets 15, 15. In order that the connection ma be made with the corresponding prong t e outer conductor 11 is provided with an inward extension 16 as clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5.

For closing the initially open bottom of the casing 1 there is preferably provided a plate 17 of insulating material which is provided with holes through which the prongs 7, 7 pass. The plate 17 is held in place by suitable means such as rivets 18, 18, similar to the rivets 13, 13 already mentioned. These rivets 18, 18 are carried by bosses 18, 18 which are additional to the ribs 8, 8 and which have their bottom surfaces at a lower level than the said ribs so as to hold the closure plate 17 at a level below the levels of the conductor elements 11 and 12.

The main base body 6 is closed at the bottom and initially open at the top. Carried by the base 6 within the outlines thereof are two contacts 19, 19 which are positioned to be engaged by the prong contacts 7, 7 of the body unit as illustrated in Fig. 8'. These contacts 19, 19 are held in place by means of screws 20, 20 which are threaded into bushin s 21, 21 molded intothe body of the base.

he base 6 is provided at one side with an opening through which the cord 5 extends as already described and the two wires of the cord are connected respectively to the contacts 19, 19 by means of the screws 20, 20. As shown in Fig. 7 the cord is preferably knotted to prevent the transmission of any strain to the screws 20, 20.

For closing the open upper end of the base there is provided an insulating plate 22 om the body unit andthey are prefsimilar to the plate 17 which closes the open rality of pairs of openings for the reception of the prong contacts of standard plug caps, the said openings being arranged in two concentric circles, two horizontal flat conductor elements below the top wall and inand an annular wall extending downward therefrom and also having a plurality of ribs adjacent the top wall and within the space bounded by the annular'wall, each rib having a downward facing surface and being rovided with a pair of openings exten ing from the said surface upward through the top of the body and adapted for the reception of the prong contacts of standard lug caps, two conductor elements insulated rom each other and provided respectively with projections arranged in pairs and extending upward into the corresponding openings in the several ribs to form contacts engageable by' standard prong contacts projecting inward through the said top openings, and supply conductors electrically connected respectively with the two conductor elements.

3. A device as set forth in claim 2 wherein each rib has two downward facing sur- 7 faces at different levels and wherein the two conductor elements engage the respective surfaces and are thereby held at different in the annular wall and the ribs are integral with the top wall and wherein the said ribs are radially positioned.

5. A device as set forth in claim 2 wherein the annular wall and the ribs are in tegral with the top wall, wherein the body is provided with interior bosses additional to the ribs and having their bottom surfaces at a lower level, and wherein there is provided a bottom closure plate connected with the said bosses.

6. A multiple electric connection device comprising in combination, an insulating body having downward facing initially exposed conductor engaging surfaces at different levels and having a top wall provided with a plurality .of pair of openings for the.

reception of the prong contacts of standard plug caps, two. flat conductor elements insulated from each other and respectivel engaging directly with the said downwar facing surfaces at different levels whereby the I insulation of the elements from each other is facilitated, the saidelements being provided respectively with integral projections arranged in pairs and extending upward into the corresponding top openings to form contacts engageable by standard prong contacts, and supply conductors electricall connected respectively with the two con uctor ele- 70 ments.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of May, 1927.

. BENJAMIN F. CONNER. 

